Behind thc Gate 3* ., T‘ never make 1 break but just couldn't go very fast. Iwon in 157.5 with Hillson Carr’s Dusty Lane Mac. He was a very classy horsr purchased from Ronnie Gass. I love( Leith Clark‘s WorwrekPrz‘de simply becaLse he was so nice. He was a tough betutiful chestnut that Clark Smith could move at the half and he would still be strong at the wire." These were some (f the most memorable hors- es that Barney was associated with over the years.

Did Barney McGuigan have a favorite horse of all ‘hat he was associated with over the years? He did and it was D.V. MacDonald’s Darn Good Caper. Barney explained [.16 choice, “He was my favorite just because he was a nice horse. He would even know when I entered the barn. I think I became as close to that horse as 21nd I have ever been around and he to me." This was additional sup— port for the bonding principle between animal and human.

Most local drivers only dream of compet- ing in the prestigious Gold Cup and Saucer held annually during Old Home Week at the C.L).P. In 1990, this talented teamster achieled that dream when he was asked to drive an Island bred Kapyong for Bill Henderson in the big event. I askec Barney what he remem— bered about tiat race. He responded, “Paul MacDontld drove Kapyong in the Trial and I drove him in the final because Paul had anotler entry. Joan and Ashley Sloat’s Tigerbim’ won it that year in 1:38.

Barney‘ilihficGulgan

Kapyng raced well but I didn’t give him that good of a drive. Kapvong was bred to trot but could he pace! He could pace in 2:00 all the time and a little better on occasion. It was quite an honor to drive an Island-bred horse in the Gold Cup and Saucer. It was a real thrill just to be in that race and I will never forget it."~

At the grass roots level in the Maritimes or at the elite level in New Jersey or Ontario, it is important for a driver or trainer to have family support for an endeavor that requires commitment seven days a week for 12 months of the year. Barney was fortunate in that his wife, Brenda and their two sons, Billy and Michael were his number one fans. Brenda rarely missed a night at the races at the C.D.P. Billy knew his way around the track and jogged horses like Freddie Ric/e. Michael helped veteran horseman Bill Henderson with his stable at the C.I’).I’. Michael was learning and per— forming the duties around a stable from Bill and Barney. He had aspirations to acquire his licence to drive the standard— breds, and in 2008, developed into a fine young driver and trainer.

Can you remember when each stable at the racetrack would reserve one after- noon per week to clean harness? Can you remember the name of the special harness soap that was used on the old leather harness and hobbles? Some sta— bles had up to 10 sets of harness to clean. It was time consuming but necessary; most stables took pride in their appear—

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